Don't just be 'Interested'!

Here we are in this age of job applications and opportunities decided in clicks. Gone are the days where you’d print out copies of your CV and hand them door to door in the hopes of being reviewed. I can’t even recall the last time I’ve received a CV via post!

It’s true that the recruitment industry is transforming into a wholly online platform which means that you are able to connect with more people than ever - which in turn allows you access to more advice, leads, as well as potential connections for your next role or project.

However, this also means an increase in competition vying for the opportunities present. Let’s take the example of LinkedIn where a recruiter offers a role with a couple of details only to have a hoard of potential candidates replying with the words ‘interested’ or 'please check my profile' in the comments.

Have you ever done the same? Well, let me break it to you – from a recruiter’s perspective - that you have joined the sea of mediocrity when it comes to online applications! The word ‘interested’ doesn’t do much especially when you’ve been granted an array of possibilities of being able to reply and connect with the recruiter.

So, what is that white comment section box for after all? Instead of a single-worded reply that conveys nothing beyond your interest, use it to your advantage by engaging the recruiter. Utilize the other keys on your keyboard to jab the right words that will hopefully translate to a conversation. Mention highlights of your career that are applicable to the role and ask questions that prove your know-how. Engage with others that may comment or even advise them whenever applicable – it doesn’t always have to be about you! This could in turn work in your favour especially when other potential connections take note of your capability and knowledge.

The bottom-line is to avoid ending at the bottom of the pool of applicants. It only takes a few moments of reinvention and a genuine sense of curiosity to improve your engagement with recruiters.

Choose to go back to basics and focus on a conversation rather than a statement and then perhaps, your profile may just become ‘interesting’ after all!

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Adel Awad is an all-star recruiter with international expertise across various sectors. He enjoys matching talents with clients and thrives on new challenges by filling scores of exciting roles! He also moonlights as a poet, philanthropist, writer, career consultant and even offers free tips for fresh graduates and unemployed job-seekers.